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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Iyengar Bakery Khare Biscuits ~ Spicy Shortbread Cookies

At the risk of being thrown out from the group for not taking part in the challenges for a long time,I am saying it--this month's Indian Cooking challenge was too good to miss.Firstly,it is a baking challenge and second,it is one of my favorite Iyengar bakery treats of all time - Khare biscuit.The moment Srivalli announced the challenge,I knew I was game!

I first got introduced to Iyengar bakery treats when we were in Bangalore.The first item I tried itself got me hooked-Masala Bread loaf.Every time we are in Bangalore,I make sure I bring back at least 2 loaves back to Chennai and guard it like there's no tomorrow.Second one is Potato buns,do no even get me started on that one--potato bhaji stuffed in soft fluffy buns--too good to be true.

Salt biscuits or Khare biscuits as they are commonly known,comes a close third in my list.I tried a very similar version some time back and absolutely loved it.Perfect companion with a cup of tea.So when a new recipe for the same had been decided for the challenge from Champa's blog,I jumped for it.

Sift together flour and salt.Cream together butter and sugar till the sugar dissolves,mix in 2 tbsp curd and continue beating.Whisk in the sifted flour slowly and mix.At this stage,it would be better if you start kneading by your hand.Mix in the chopped coriander leaves,green chillies and the remaining 1 tbsp curd.The dough would be crumbly.

For easier handling-tip the dough into a polythene bag[or a cling wrap]Leave the bag open, place on your work surface and slowly press out the dough with a rolling pin so it becomes a rectangle.Chill for 10-15 minutes so that it is easy to handle the dough.

Roll the dough into 1/4 inch thickness and rip the bag open and cut using a cookie cutter.
Place the cookies on the baking tray and bake for 18-20 minutes.The cookies might still be soft but would harden once it cools down.Cool on a wire rack and store in airtight containers.

29 comments
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Perfect would be an understatement for these gorgeous biscuits. I even loved your technique of rolling with the help of polythene bag.My cookies have already vanished and I wish to pick some from your post right now.

oh my...I just love dem...looks sooperb dear..:)I am just same as u dear...I get back khara bread,benne n khara biscuit,khara buns,baking nippat from Blore...hmmm...now I m waiting for my next trip...hey that stuffed mirch which I posted is not at all spicy..if you want you can give a try...:)

Just the perfect thing with a hot cup of coffee in the cloudy, rainy weather! I am yet to try these savory cookies, sound yum! U could say I bake from Champa's blog every now and then, love her breads specially..

These look really scrumptious! I have a growing child and a husband who are snack-crazy! This looks like something I can make and keep for them to enjoy! It also seems really quick and easy. With me THAT is important! :-)Chitra Nair

Divya, Thanks for the recipe. It reminds me of the treats we used to have when I visited my granny in Mysore.

Tried these biscuits yesterday. Had to use about 5 tbsp of curd. The texture was more like crackers than biscuits. It didn't rise/puff at all and is a li'l hard. Can u tell me what could've gone wrong?

Thanks Divya for this wonderful recipe. I tried it out and it turned awesome. my 1 year old son is enjoying it now...He is very fond of the salt cookies that we buy from bakery. I thought of baking that at home for him. Thanks again for this wonderful recipe.